Resources for wildfire response in California

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AFT and CFT are working hand in hand to make sure our members are okay, that they have the support and resources they need in this crisis, and that we’re ready to help them rebuild.

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Health and Safety Resources, including Post-Disaster Debris and Wildfire Cleanup

NIEHS Wildfire Page: Resources aimed at protecting the health and safety of those responding to wildfires from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
OSHA Wildfire Page: The Response/Recovery page from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) details hazards that may be present in areas affected by wildfires. These include safety hazards, such as unstable structures; heavy equipment and slips, trips, and falls, as well as health hazards such as heat stress, hazardous materials, carbon monoxide and other respiratory hazards.
OSHA Guidance: Keeping workers safe during disaster cleanup and recovery
OSHA Guidance: General decontamination
OSHA Guidance: PPE Matrix for disaster cleanup and recovery
Protecting Yourself While Helping Others, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Awareness for post-disaster property debris cleanup: a primer on best practices for cleaning up after a disaster, from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Other Federal Resources

Small Business Administration: After you file a FEMA claim, you may be referred to the Small Business Administration for information about a low-interest loan. The SBA is the primary source of federal funds for long-term recovery assistance.

Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: You may be eligible for disaster relief food assistance.

Department of Justice: Members of the public can report disaster relief fraud, waste, abuse or mismanagement at disaster@leo.gov or 866-720-5721. Individuals can also report criminal activity to the FBI at 800-CALL-FBI.

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster: This website provides information on the National VOAD’s member organizations, which share knowledge and resources throughout the disaster cycle—preparation, response and recovery—to help disaster survivors and their communities. All organizations have service-oriented missions and include volunteer engagement as a key component of their operations.

FEMA Fact Sheets

FEMA page for California Wildfires: All FEMA resources can be found here. The fastest way to apply is through DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply through the FEMA mobile app or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service.
Disaster Recovery Steps: Things to consider before entering your home after a disaster, especially around flooded conditions.
Disaster Survivor’s Checklist: Reference guide on what to do after a FEMA-declared disaster.
FEMA Questions and Answers: Common questions related to filing a claim with FEMA.
Help after a Disaster: FEMA Individual Assistance Can Help You Recover: FEMA informational brochure (English and Spanish).
What Happens at the Inspection: What to expect after filing a FEMA claim.
Replacing Personal Documents: Assistance with replacing personal documents lost in a disaster.
Text to Find Shelters: Shelters are open and providing food, water and other support. To search for shelters near you:

Text "SHELTER" and your ZIP code to 43362
Use the FEMA App: fema.gov/app
Visit redcross.org/shelters

Post-Incident Resources for Mental Health and Well-Being

Trauma counseling program for AFT members only - A free benefit for all active working AFT members to provide help and healing after facing personal or workplace trauma.
Free trauma counseling for AFT members who have suffered injury, disease, or trauma because of a natural disaster.
Tips for survivors of a disaster or other traumatic event - factsheet on managing stress from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – SAMHSA
Tips for talking with and helping children and youth cope after a disaster or traumatic event - A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – SAMHSA
Tips for survivors coping with grief - A factsheet on coping with grief after a disaster or traumatic event from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – SAMHSA
Tips for healthcare practitioners and responders - a factsheet on helping survivors cope with grief after a disaster or traumatic event from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – SAMHSA
The health consequences of chronic stress - an AFT factsheet the consequences of stress with some ideas on actions individuals can take to reduce stress.
CDC Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage with trauma and disaster mental health resources.
FEMA Helping Children Cope with Disaster—This site offers parents, caregivers and other adults suggestions on how to help children cope with the effects of disaster.